Born: 1968
Biography:
Carrie Steinseifer, born Carolyn Lynne Steinseifer on February 12, 1968, is a former American competition swimmer and Olympic champion. Known for her remarkable achievements in the pool, she left an indelible mark on the sport during the 1980s. Steinseifer’s dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence propelled her to the top of the swimming world.
At just 15 years old, Steinseifer showcased her immense potential at the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela. She captured gold medals in the 4×100-meter freestyle and 4×100-meter medley relays, displaying her innate ability to perform under pressure. This early success foreshadowed the brilliance that was to come.
In 1984, Steinseifer represented the United States at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, a defining moment in her career. She etched her name in swimming history by winning three gold medals. The women’s 100-meter freestyle showcased her speed and power, as she emerged victorious in a thrilling race. Steinseifer also played a crucial role in securing gold for the U.S. team in both the 4×100-meter freestyle relay and the 4×100-meter medley relay. Her exceptional performances solidified her status as an Olympic champion.
The following year, Steinseifer continued to assert her dominance in the pool at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Aged just 17, she claimed gold medals in the 200-meter freestyle, 4×100-meter freestyle relay, and the 4×200-meter relay, further highlighting her versatility and ability to excel in various events. Additionally, she earned a silver medal in the 100-meter freestyle, demonstrating her consistency across different distances.
Steinseifer’s collegiate swimming career took place at the University of Texas, where she joined coach Richard Quick’s Texas Longhorns swimming and diving team. Representing the Longhorns, she competed in NCAA competition and played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Steinseifer was a member of three of the Lady Longhorns’ NCAA national championship relay teams, winning titles in the 800-yard relay (1987) and the 200-yard relay (1987, 1988). Her contributions were instrumental in the Longhorns’ NCAA national team championships in 1987 and 1988, underscoring her status as a key contributor to the team’s success.
Steinseifer’s achievements extended beyond the collegiate and Olympic arenas. She continued representing the United States in international competitions while attending the University of Texas. In the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana, she swam to victory in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay, adding another gold medal to her collection. Two years later, she once again emerged triumphant at the 1989 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Tokyo, contributing to the U.S. team’s victory in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. Steinseifer’s enduring presence in the pool solidified her place in swimming history.
In acknowledgment of her exceptional career, Steinseifer was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 1999. This prestigious recognition celebrated her outstanding contributions to the sport and cemented her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of her generation.
Beyond her swimming career, Steinseifer has found joy in her personal life. She resides outside Portland, Oregon, with her husband Ken Blanco and their two daughters, Gabby and Miya. Although retired from competitive swimming, she continues to inspire others with her remarkable journey and achievements.
Awards:
– Gold medal, women’s 100-meter freestyle, 1984 Summer Olympics
– Gold medal, women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay, 1984 Summer Olympics
– Gold medal, women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, 1984 Summer Olympics
– Gold medal, women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay, 1983 Pan American Games
– Gold medal, women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, 1983 Pan American Games
– Gold medal, women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay, 1987 Pan American Games
– Two U.S. National Championships, 100-meter freestyle.